Which Fallout Game To Start With?

Which Fallout Game to Start With: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’re curious about the world of Fallout? That’s awesome! This series of video games is like stepping into a time machine, but instead of going to the past, you’re going to a future that’s a little broken and a lot weird. It’s full of cool stories, quirky characters, and lots of exciting (and sometimes scary) things to find. But with so many games, it can feel like choosing which path to take in the Wasteland is super tricky. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore each game and figure out which one is the best place for you to begin your Fallout journey.

Understanding the Fallout Universe

Before diving into specific games, let’s chat a bit about what makes Fallout… well, Fallout! Imagine a world where, instead of having cool, sleek technology, everything is kind of retro-futuristic. It’s like if the 1950s thought the future was going to be all about atomic power. Then, bam! Nuclear war happens and things get all messed up. People live in bunkers called Vaults, and when they come out? The world is a wild place full of radiation, mutants, and lots of other things trying to eat or shoot you.

Key Elements to Expect

• Post-Apocalyptic Setting: A world destroyed by nuclear war. Expect lots of ruins, deserts, and strange new life.
• Vaults: Big bunkers built to protect people from the bombs. They often have their own secrets.
• Radiation: Dangerous energy that can hurt you and turn people into strange creatures.
• Mutants: People and animals changed by radiation. Some are friendly; some are definitely not.
• Moral Choices: The game gives you lots of chances to make decisions that affect the story. Are you going to be a hero or a villain?
• V.A.T.S. : This cool targeting system lets you slow down time and target specific body parts of your enemies.

Fallout 3: The Gateway to Modern Fallout

Many fans consider Fallout 3 as a great starting point. It was the first Fallout game to move into a full 3D environment, which completely changed how the game was played. You wake up in Vault 101, a place you’ve known your whole life. The story takes you out into the Capital Wasteland (the ruins of Washington D.C) to find your dad. The game is immersive with a large, open world to check out, filled with interesting people to meet, and quests to take on. It’s also not overly complicated, making it relatively easy for new players to get into the groove.

Why Start with Fallout 3?

• Great introduction to the 3D Fallout style: Easy to learn the mechanics without being too overwhelming.
• Engaging Story: Finding your dad is a simple but compelling mission to keep you playing.
• Iconic locations: You’ll recognize some real-life landmarks, which is pretty cool.
• Good balance of action and role-playing: You’ll have lots of combat and story choices to explore.

Things to Consider about Fallout 3

• Combat can feel a bit dated: It can be less fluid compared to newer games.
• The graphics are older: They might look a little blurry if you’re used to modern games.
• Some quests can be a little confusing: You may need to consult a guide sometimes.

Fallout: New Vegas: The Fan-Favorite

Fallout: New Vegas is often called the best in the series by fans because it really focuses on player choice and character development. In this game, you play as a courier who gets shot in the head and left for dead. You then embark on a journey through the Mojave Wasteland (around Las Vegas) to get revenge and maybe even decide who controls the region. There is a lot of room for role playing here with plenty of branching quest lines and outcomes that are determined by your choices.

Why Some Prefer to Start with New Vegas

• Deep Role-Playing: The choices you make feel meaningful and truly change the story.
• Many factions and endings: The game has a lot of different groups you can side with, leading to different endings.
• Great writing: The characters and dialogue in this game are some of the best in the series.
• Lots of freedom to explore: You can go almost anywhere and do almost anything.

Things to Consider about New Vegas

• Can feel a bit clunky: It uses the same engine as Fallout 3, so the game controls can feel a bit older.
• Can be overwhelming for new players: The amount of choice and freedom can feel a bit daunting at first.
• More complex mechanics: The game has a few mechanics that are not well explained, which new players may find complicated.

Fallout 4: Modern and Action-Packed

Fallout 4 offers a more modern feel to the series with improved graphics and a focus on action. You start before the war, witnessing the bombs dropping. Then, you wake up in Vault 111 as the sole survivor, with a mission to find your kidnapped son. The game puts you in the Commonwealth (the Boston area), with lots of towns to explore and settlements to build. The story is compelling, though choices may not have as profound of an impact as in New Vegas.

Why Fallout 4 Might Be Good for Beginners

• Slicker Gameplay: More modern movement and shooting.
• Settlement Building: Lets you create and manage your own towns.
• Easier to get into: It’s designed to be more user-friendly compared to previous games.
• Visual Appeal: Graphics are improved over previous titles.

Things to Consider about Fallout 4

• Story Choices Aren’t as impactful: Decisions have less meaningful impact on the ending than in New Vegas.
• Less RPG focus: Focuses more on combat and exploration than role-playing.
• Settlement building can be time-consuming: Building and managing settlements isn’t for everyone.

Fallout 76: The Multiplayer Option

Fallout 76 is the online multiplayer version of Fallout. You play a resident of Vault 76, who exits the vault to rebuild the world of Appalachia (West Virginia). It’s a very different experience from other Fallout games since it’s a shared world with other players. While it has changed a lot since its release, it still might not be the best first Fallout game.

Why Fallout 76 Might Not Be Ideal for Beginners

• Different experience: It plays a lot differently than other Fallout games.
• Not much of a single-player story: The main focus is online multiplayer, which some may find less engaging.
• Can be difficult to get into: The game’s learning curve can be a bit steep.
• Less focus on choice and consequence: Story is not as developed as in previous games.

The Classic Fallout Games: A Different Kind of Experience

Fallout 1 and Fallout 2 are the classic games that started it all. They have a completely different gameplay experience, using an isometric perspective. This means you see the game from above, rather than first-person. While incredibly important to the series history, these games are very old and their gameplay mechanics can be difficult for people who grew up with 3D gaming. The story, writing, and role-playing elements are fantastic, however the difficulty and interface might be a barrier.

Why Classic Games May Not Be the Best Starting Point

• Isometric Perspective: Very different style of gameplay.
• Very Old Game Mechanics: Can be difficult for new players to get used to.
• Steep Learning Curve: May require the use of old guides and forum posts.
• Can be frustrating for modern players: Can feel slow and difficult, specially to new players.

So, Which Game Should You Start With?

Choosing the right starting game really depends on what you want from your first Fallout adventure. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Recommendation Based on Player Preferences

• If you like the 3D world, a compelling story and easier mechanics: Choose Fallout 3.
• If you want the best story, role-playing options, with complex storylines: Choose Fallout: New Vegas.
• If you like more modern gameplay, action and base building: Choose Fallout 4.
• If you enjoy multiplayer games and a different Fallout Experience: Choose Fallout 76.
• If you prefer to start at the beginning with classic rpgs: Choose Fallout 1 or 2.

A Quick Comparison Table

Let’s take a quick look at how the games stack up against each other: